Community structure and assemblage interaction among the symbiotic flagellates of subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes (Holmgren) /
The organization of symbiotic hindgut communities of termites in the genus Reticulitermes (Holmgren) was examined. Species composition of flagellate communities in ten-nites collected from ten different sites in Texas was similar. These sites were widely separated geographically and were of differ...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=739668411&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The organization of symbiotic hindgut communities of termites in the genus Reticulitermes (Holmgren) was examined. Species composition of flagellate communities in ten-nites collected from ten different sites in Texas was similar. These sites were widely separated geographically and were of different habitats. Trichonympha agilis Leidy and Dinenympha fimbriata Kirby were collected from all ten sites. Either Pyrsonympha vertens Leidy or Pyrsonympha minor Powell were collected from all ten sites, but these species were never collected together. Spirotrichonympha kofoidi Dubosq and Grasse was collected from nine sites. Spirotrichonymphaflagellata Koidzumi was collected from the two sites containing P. minor. Dinenympha gracilis Leidy and Holomastigotes elongatum Grassi were each collected from eight sites. Although the species composition of flagellate communities from the ten sites were similar, there were geographical differences in mean infra-assemblage abundance, mean species abundances and relative species abundances. The hindgut flagellate community in Reticulitermes sp. was examined at one site over time. Species composition did not change seasonally or annually, but the structural dynamics of the infra-assemblage varied between census dates. Species composition of the flagellate community was identical in three castes of Reticulitermes.flavipes (Kollar). However, there are differences in flagellate community ecology among termite castes. Mean species abundances of all flagellate species were highest in pseudergates, but the relative abundances of some species were higher in alates and/or soldiers. There are also differences in flagellate community ecology along the length the termite hindgut. While no flagellate species was restricted to a certain region, the largest proportion of all flagellate species occurred in the anterior most region of the hindgut. Distribution patterns of the various flagellate species, and their reactions to incubation at elevated temperatures and starvation, provide indications of flagellate nutritional requirements. Results from this study also provide insights into the mechanisms responsible for the observed structure of these communities. Interspecific competition and interspecific dependence are proposed as possible community structuring mechanisms. Avenues of future research are discussed. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Entomology". |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 302 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 137-147. |